Geography of Astrakhan
Astrakhan, Russia, a city and port on the Volga River delta, about 35 miles (56 km) north of the Caspian Sea. Astrakhan is a railway center and a leading seaport and river port; it is a transshipment point for oil, forest products, and grain, and the base for Russia's Caspian navy. The city's industries include shipbuilding and food processing, particularly the canning of sturgeon and caviar. Astrakhan became the capital of a Tatar khanate in the mid-15th century. In 1556 it was captured by Ivan IV and made part of Muscovy. The city began to grow as a port and trade center in the 17th century.
Population: 509,000.